242 LONG-BILLED CURLEW. 



examining the island, and depositing our pi-ovisions in a small summer 

 habitation then untenanted, we separated ; some of the servants went off 

 to fish, others to gather oysters, and the gunners placed themselves in rea- 

 diness for the arrival of the Curlews. The sun at length sunk beneath 

 the water-hne that here formed the horizon ; and we saw the birds making 

 their first appearance. They were in small parties of two, three, or five, 

 and by no means shy. These seemed to be the birds which we had ob- 

 served near the salt-marshes, as we were on our way. As the twilight 

 became darker the number of Curlews increased, and the flocks approach- 

 ed in quicker succession, until they appeared to form a continuous pro- 

 cession, moving not in lines, one after another, but in an extended mass, 

 and with considerable regularity, at a height of not more than thirty 

 yards, the individuals being a few feet apart. Not a single note or cry 

 was heard as they advanced. They moved for ten or more yards with 

 regular flappings, and then sailed for a few seconds, as is invariably the 

 mode of flight of this species, their long bills and legs stretched out to 

 their full extent. They flew directly towards their place of rest, called 

 the " Bird Banks,"" and were seen to alight without performing any of the 

 evolutions which they exhibit when at their feeding-places, for they had 

 not been disturbed that season. But when we followed them to the Bird 

 Banks, which are sandy islands of small extent, the moment they saw us 

 land the congregated flocks, probably amounting to several thousand in- 

 dividuals all standing close together, rose at once, performed a few evolu- 

 tions in perfect silence, and re-alighted as if with one accord on the ex- 

 treme margins of the sand-bank close to tremendous breakers. It was 

 now dark, and we left the place, although some flocks were still arriving. 

 The next morning we returned a little before day ; but again as we 

 landed, they all rose a few yards in the air, separated into numerous par- 

 ties, and dispersing in various directions, flew off" towards their feeding- 

 o-rounds, keeping low over the waters, until they reached the shores, when 

 they ascended to the height of about a hundred yards, and soon disap- 

 peared. 



Now, Reader, allow me to say a few words respecting our lodgings. 

 Fish, fowl, and oysters had been procured in abundance ; and besides 

 these delicacies, we had taken with us from Charleston some steaks of 

 beef, and a sufficiency of good beverage. But we had no cook, save your 

 humble servant. A blazing fire warmed and hghted our only apartment. 

 The oysters and fish were thrown on the hot embers ; the steaks we stuck 



